Why you Shouldn’t be Afraid of Winter Running Tights

Have you have resisted winter running tights because they make you self-conscious? I did for a long time, and believe me when I say you are missing out!

If you want to feel sleek and fast this winter, buy a good pair of winter running tights. Forget parachute like wind-pants or baggy sweatpants, and invest in formfitting, wind stopping warmth for your legs.

When I first tried winter running tights, I threw on a pair of running shorts over them, or hid behind something, hoping nobody would notice what I was wearing. I held onto this fear for far too long.

Now, I gear up in my tights like a super-hero answering a call for justice. I look forward to days when it dips below 40 (my “cold enough for tights” mark).

True, it can still be a tad awkward standing around, eating flapjacks in tights, but go for a run in them and see if you don’t love it. There’s absolutely nothing to fear!

The Benefits of Winter Running Tights

Traditional sweat pants are great for lounging around the house, or a quick trip to the store. Not for running. They tend to collect moisture like a ShamWow, and refuse to block any wind.

Thermal winter running tights on the other hand, do an outstanding job of wicking moisture (important if you want to stay chafe free) and blocking wind (important if you want to stay warm).

Winter running tights also provide benefits in the form of compression. This helps circulation, and will support your muscles, especially during cold weather running. This prevents mild strains and pulls.

My favorite benefit is the very thing I resisted for so long. The skin tight, form fitting nature of tights allow you to stay warm by wearing less. Just like a finely tuned race car; the more aerodynamic the better.

How Warm Do your Legs Need to be?

From personal experience (and talking with a lot of runners), you don’t need as much insulation on the lower half of your body. It is most important to keep your core warm. Do that, and your lower half should stay warmer.

When paired with wind boxers, thermal tights are all the coverage I need down to zero. When it gets below that, I throw on a pair of thermal running pants to give me that additional layer of warmth.

Remember, if you’re not starting your run a touch on the cold side, you will more than likely overheat during the run.

Specific Winter Running Tights

If you visit your local running store, or search a site like Road Runner sports, look for “Thermal Tights.” You’ll find lots of options. Some have zippers at the bottom, pockets, etc. All you really need is something that blocks wind and wicks moisture.

Here are a few suggestions, brought to you in part from current and former members of Team USA Minnesota. If elite athletes are running in tights, you know there is nothing to fear!

…these tights are great. They are a Lite Show version, which means they are uber reflective. The Thermopolis material is soft/fuzzy on the inside but still thin enough to move freely while running.

Jared VanderHook, our resident trail and Ultra running expert, runs outside in any and all winter conditions. He uses the the Mountain Hardwear Windstopper tights (similar product) for all of them. When paired with thermal pants, it’s a perfect winter weather barrier!

Your Winter Running Tights

Do you run in tights in the winter? What kind do you use? Share a quick review in the comments.

Nathan started running when he was 14. 20+ years later, he's still going. When he's not running, he enjoys exploring the city with his son, finding new restaurants with his wife, traveling, or backpacking. He loves dark beer, dark chocolate, and dark coffee.Nathan currently lives in Portland, Oregon, but works in Minneapolis and runs wherever he is. Favorite Minnesota running route is anything that takes him along the Mississippi River.
Race Results.Nathan's day job is a Consultant with Leadership Vision in Downtown Minneapolis.

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Rich Rein

I bought a pair of the Asics Thermopolis LT Tights on a whim the day before the Twin Cities marathon (insert comments here about running in something new that you bought at the expo – but I didn’t have any tights, and didn’t want to run the marathon in running pants), and in general have been pretty satisfied with them. I also later picked up a pair of Mizuno Breath Thermo tights – and after have some back and forth, decided that I really liked the soft feel of the inside of the Mizuno tights, but really like/came to appreciate the little rubber (silicone?) grippers on the inside of the waist and bottom of the legs on the Asics tights. And compared to the Under Armour base layers I wear for ice fishing, I really have come to appreciate the ankle zippers on both! (although I much prefer when they are off-center, otherwise I get rubbed a bit raw on my Achilles unless I wear taller socks – and have them underneath the tights).

frenat

This ankle zips would be handy for getting in and out of those things… sometimes they can feel a little restrictive.

-Nathan

lindsayinMPLS

I have a pair of Saucony tights that I like a lot, and picked up the Saucony Siberius tights at the TC Marathon expo last year. First pair – awesome. Siberius tights – too tight in the thighs, too short in the legs. Plus they’re low-cut, so it hits me at a weird spot. I constantly feel like I need to pull them up more but am unable to. So I don’t wear them running, but they were reasonably warm during my bus commute on the -15 degree days last winter.

frenat

I should have added that the tights need to feel like a second skin. To your point, if they don’t fit well, they are worthless!

-Nathan

lindsayinMPLS

Now I’m much more heistant to buy things at race expos without trying them on first (either at the expo or somewhere else).

Tights are awesome, but they should reconsider the standard inseam women’s tights (29″-30″) – great if you want to look cool – not so great if you have a 34″ inseam and don’t want frost bite on your ankles!

frenat

Valid points. Have you found some that solve this problem?

Nathan

Katie Ogden Serbus

Not really – I can find regular tights in a “tall”, but not the insulated ones. So I usually double up if it’s below about 20 degrees. Typically I wear knee high socks so that helps to negate the gap issue, though can look a bit ridiculous….

Clarisse Grages

Just bought a pair of Sugoi subzero tights and have worn them in 20 degree weather. love them so far. very comfy on the inside and the legs stayed warm even with the wind going. I am not sure they would be warm enough for colder days…

frenat

I’m always surprised how the tights seems to regulate the temps to a certain degree.
-Nathan

I’m all about my Mountain Hardwear thermal tights, they are reversible (but I’ve never reversed…) and super warm with a pair of compression boxers underneath.

And yes, never wear shorts over your tights, Jessie 🙂

frenat

Yes! It really does make ALL of the difference in the world when you have some quality gear.

Nathan

kristy goelzer

Tights are awesome! No bunching and Everything Stays Put!

frenat

Which is so helpful!

kristy goelzer

I totally agree!

Noelle

Winter tights are the best. I love brooks utopia and the smartwool tech tights (pricey but you can find a good deal if you know where to look), but the warmest I’ve ever found are a pair of super thick $20 Avalanche tights from Marshall’s. Warm down to zero or below.